In Sarawak, especially in Sibu, there’s a drink with a name that almost guarantees confusion for outsiders. Walk into any kopitiam in Sibu and you’ll hear Wang Qing Shui 忘情水 being casually ordered.

To the locals, it’s completely normal. But to many Malaysians from outside Sarawak, that phrase triggers something else entirely. Not a drink, but a song. Specifically, the hit song by Andy Lau. For a brief moment, it sounds like someone just tried to order a 90s Mandopop classic at the drinks counter.

But in Sibu, there’s no joke here. Wang Qing Shui is very real. And it’s one of the town’s most quietly essential beverages.

At its core, it is just sweetened iced Chinese tea. Preparation is simple, almost humble. Tea leaves steeped until aromatic, sweetened while still warm, then chilled down for that refreshing finish. No fancy additions, no complicated steps. Yet somehow, in Sibu’s heat, it hits exactly where it should. It tastes lightly fragrant, slightly floral, with just enough sweetness to soften the edges. Not as bold as Teh-O (sweetened black tea), not as plain as unsweetened Chinese tea. Just clean, cooling, and easy to drink.

The name itself carries that signature kopitiam humour. “Wang Qing Shui” literally means “water that makes you forget emotions” in Chinese, but it casually means “a drink that lets you forget your romantic heartbreak”. Locals say that a good glass of this sweet iced tea can lift your mood, cool you down, and make everything feel a bit lighter, and made you feel like the superstar Andy Lau. Over time, what started as a playful nickname became the official name.

Culturally, this drink says a lot about Sibu. Everyone regardless of ethinicity knows it, and everyone drinks it. It’s very affordable, usually just between one to two ringgits, and almost always available. Plus, since it’s made from Chinese tea, many locals see it as a lighter, less heavy option compared to fizzy drinks or overly creamy beverages. There’s this unspoken understanding. Parents don’t mind their kids ordering it, since at the end of the day, it’s still Chinese tea. Meanwhile, kids are more than happy to drink it because it’s sweet and cold. Wang Qing Shui satisfies both sides without needing to try too hard. Over time, it naturally became one of those default orders in Sibu kopitiams, the kind of drink you ask for without even thinking twice.

These days, you’ll find Wang Qing Shui in almost every kopitiam across Sibu, served in a simple glass, usually cold and unpretentious. It pairs effortlessly with noodles, rice, fried dishes, anything really. Especially on a hot afternoon, when the air feels heavy and you just need something to reset.

If you ever find yourself there, skip the usual kopi for a moment. Sit down and try ordering one Wang Qing Shui like a local.